Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag addresses Casemiro's future at Old Trafford amid reports linking him with transfer
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag addressed midfielder Casemiro's future at the club. He admitted that the Brazilian would not be starting every match, like any other player in the squad.
While in conversation with The Guardian, Ten Hag hinted that Casemiro may have to spend some time on the bench this season. He was, however, quick to add that the midfielder was still among the leaders in the squad. Talking about the former Real Madrid star, Ten Hag said:
"You have to make choices – what was needed for that particular game. But he is a very important player. He is a leader and he can make a difference for our team. No one can play every game. It's impossible. All the players who are here, if they want to play for us, want to play for the bench, and they have the quality, then I hope they keep contributing to our team. We have seen that Casimiro in his career is so successful."
The Brazil international joined Manchester United in the 2022 summer transfer window for £70 million. He has since made 83 appearances for the club across competitions, scoring 12 and assisting nine goals. He has also won the FA Cup and the League Cup with the Red Devils.
Multiple Saudi Pro League sides have been linked with a move for Casemiro this summer.
Casemiro confirms he wants to stay at Manchester United
Jamie Carragher, earlier this year, had urged Casemiro to move on from European football and join a Saudi Pro League side or the MLS. The Liverpool great's comments came after a series of poor performances from the Brazilian in May.
The Brazilian star was not happy with the comments and hit out at the pundit. Speaking to MUTV, the midfielder claimed that he was happy at the club and said:
"I guess people end up talking about the age factor, but it's been proven. Recently, our friend Thiago Silva, at the age of 39 coming here and showing that, yes, you can play. The previous Ballon d'Or winners were over 34. These are people who analyse football well, who see what's happening, who know what's happening, analysing not the age."
"I'm happy, living every day I get to play here. As I usually say, Man United gave me what I wanted. This joy of being able to enjoy the game, enjoy the Premier League. So, I'm happy to be here at Man United and enjoying the game," he added.
Manchester United are reportedly looking to sign a defensive midfielder this summer and have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte.